To think this is utterly humiliating

[merricat]

So, I live in a reasonably quiet Scottish village. We moved here two years ago after my husband got a job at [neighbouring city's university].

I know I'm overqualified for normal jobs - I have a PhD - but I want and need a job. Such jobs keep becoming available at our local Co-op shop. I would be fine and good at it, reliable etc. I have no commitments and could work any hours they wanted (which they said was a plus the first time I applied). I have now applied three times for a part time job on the tills. It is getting embarrassing. I will not apply again, but this evening I went in and noticed signs up saying they were recruiting. Every time I go in, the manager makes a point of ignoring me - he has my application on file and I've spoken to him about it previously, but can't keep doing so. I'm here, local, willing, and able. I cannot seem to get this shop job, despite the fact that they've been advertising consistently since I moved here, and despite having my application on file.

What is wrong with me? Why won't they even interview me? What can I do? How can I manage to get a job in a shop?

It's really started to depress me. Whenever I go in there, the manage very concertedly avoids eye contact. It's humiliating!

[BackforGood]

By now, I think I would ask outright. You've got nothing to lose after all. After all, the first time it could just be there was a better applicant, but it doesn't sound as if that's the case now.
Maybe ask them if they have a problem because you are an 'incomer' ?? ..... set them on thoughts of discrimination ? Talk about raising it with their HQ?

[WorraLiberty]

I can understand why you're upset if you really want the job, but why 'humiliated?'

You're not the first person to get a knock back after an interview and you wont be the last.

Just keep applying for other retail work and you might strike lucky in the end.

[WorraLiberty]

"Maybe ask them if they have a problem because you are an 'incomer' ??"

"set them on thoughts of discrimination ? Talk about raising it with their HQ?"

Oh behave yourself!

The OP just needs to ask for feedback.

The answer might be that she's not personable enough, or something else quite simple.

At least save the 'incomer/discrimination' thing until she knows why they don't want her!

[usualsuspect333]

I expect he thinks you will get bored and move on.

You are over qualified.

[hairtoday1]

Have you ever had a job before?

I'm guessing your phd means squat. Experience means more.

[Salmotrutta]

Did you mention qualifications OP in your application?

Because if you did I'll bet it really is that "overqualified" cliche.

They think you would scarper when a better offer comes up.

Can you not look at getting something in your PhD field at the University are you near Dundee?

[WorraLiberty]

Just a thought but I wonder if you gave the impression that although you were willing to take it, the job was somehow a bit beneath you?

I'm just wondering why you're feeling 'utterly humiliated', rather than just disappointed?

I got a knock back from Asda a few years ago. I was a bit pissed off but humiliation didn't enter into it.

[BocaDeTrucha]

If you have no customer-facing experience from other jobs, this won't help. But if they can't fill the post, I can understand your query. Is it the only shop in the village /nearby?

[usualsuspect333]

My DS works for the CoOp ,most of the jobs go to the staffs family or friends.They have to advertise the vacancies though. So chances are ,the jobs already gone.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Our local co-op seems to have a policy of only hiring scarily chatty people. They do small talk to the point of interrogation and look at you meaningfully.

Do you fit that mould OP?

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

Retail is hard work, you really need experience. On your feet, dealing with the public all day is not for everyone. Being phd smart isn't really what they need. Hope you find something soon.

"set them on thoughts of discrimination"
Sorry back but that made laugh out loud
I live in a village where newcomers are treated with suspicion but don't think its a green biro issue.

[BiscuitMillionaire]

Are you English?

[The5DayChicken]

I'm going to bet that it's either lack of experience or that you went on about your PhD too much. Or possibly that your interpersonal skills were poor.

[FoulsomeAndMaggotwise]

You're not qualified to do any and every job just because you have a PhD. I'm sorry you've been disappointed but I would ask them for feedback on your application so you know for next time. Maybe you just don't have the right experience.

[EgyptianSnow]

This happened to me with my local super drug, I use to say hello to the manager though everytime I went in. He was friendly but I never got a job. After around 2years he asked me if I'm still looking for a job i said that was two years ago and only now you want me lol

[SolidGoldBrass]

They probably want staff with retail experience. If you have none (and especially if you went on at length about your irrelevant academic qualifications) then they think you are not suitable for the job.

[SolasEile]

Why do you want a part-time job in a shop when you have a PhD and presumably BA / BSc etc that you worked hard for? Unless you have retail experience built up from when you were in college (e.g. I worked in a book shop part time for the last 2 years of college) then why would you look for a job in the Co-op?

Have you applied for jobs at your husband's university? If it's the part of Scotland where I used to live there are at least 5 universities in commuting distance so not a problem to look at other universities either. If it's up north then, yes, your choices are more limited but even Aberdeen has two universities.

If there are no jobs available in your field then think up something you want to do, a hobby you could turn into a career. Friend of mine who was a marine biologist stuck in a part of Scotland with no jobs available in her research area started working as a yoga teacher, for example. Other friend became a doula.

[Imustgodowntotheseaagain]

I have a Masters degree and I worked at my local Co-Op for a while. But I tailored my CV to highlight my retail experience ( newsagent and Sainsburys) and my customer service experience, prioritising that above the high-powered jobs that normally come first on it! As PP have mentioned, if you don't have till or retail experience you're not a well-qualified candidate. If you really want the job, ask the manager what you can do to improve your chances.

[MrsBigginsPieShop]

If you have no experience in retail you are less likely to be offered the job than another applicant who does.
Your non retail qualifications aren't relevant.

[fourtothedozen]

Sounds like you lack the experience.

You are under qualified for the job.

[Fishwives]

Those who are asking why the OP doesn't 'just get a university job in her field' clearly have no idea about the state of the academic job market.

[Vatersay]

Oh for goodness sake Biscuit there are plenty of English people very happily living in Scotland.

That's a pretty offensive question.